Jonty Rhodes Discusses the Impact of ETPL on European Cricket
Exciting Launch of the European T20 Premier League
Jonty Rhodes, the former South African cricket star, expressed optimism about the upcoming European T20 Premier League (ETPL), which is expected to gain significant attention following impressive performances by non-Test playing nations in the recent T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Renowned for his exceptional fielding skills, Rhodes is a co-owner of the Rotterdam franchise in the ETPL, alongside fellow South African cricketers Heinrich Klaasen and Faf du Plessis, with Madhukhar Shree serving as the managing partner. The ETPL is recognized as Europe's inaugural ICC-sanctioned T20 league, with the Rotterdam team set to compete from August 26 to September 20, 2026. The league will feature six city-based franchises: Glasgow, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Dublin, Belfast, and Rotterdam, competing in a total of 33 matches, marking a pivotal moment for cricket in Europe.
The Underdog Spirit in Cricket
During the recent T20 World Cup, several associate nations, including the US, Nepal, Netherlands, debutants Italy, and Scotland, showcased remarkable performances. Notably, the Netherlands, despite not advancing past the group stage, had close matches against cricketing powerhouses India and Pakistan. In the previous T20 World Cup, they achieved a stunning victory over a strong South African team. Rhodes noted that the success of these associate nations could attract more viewers to the ETPL, stating, "Everyone loves the underdog," and emphasized that Indian fans would appreciate the unique opportunities this league offers to lesser-known players.
"The fact that Italy performed well in the T20 World Cup, along with Ireland, Netherlands, and Scotland, has sparked conversations about them. In India, where cricket is immensely popular, the introduction of a new league can be intriguing. Fans are drawn to unique and different experiences," he added.
Star-Studded Ownership and South African Influence
The Rotterdam franchise's ownership is part of a star-studded lineup across the ETPL. The Amsterdam franchise is supported by Australian cricket legend Steve Waugh and hockey star Jamie Dwyer, while Belfast is co-owned by Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell. Edinburgh's ownership includes former New Zealand players Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum, and West Indies icon Chris Gayle co-owns the Glasgow franchise. Rhodes, Klaasen, and du Plessis's involvement aims to bring a South African presence to the league.
"Having been a player and coach, this is my first experience as a co-owner, which is both exciting and new for me. Madhukar Shree and I have collaborated since 2020 on the commercial side of cricket, and we discussed how to engage with a franchise beyond just being employees," Rhodes explained.
Enhancing European Cricket Through ETPL
Rhodes highlighted the potential of the ETPL to elevate cricket in the Netherlands, noting that while the team is competitive, the lack of consistent high-level cricket has hindered growth. He emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for younger players to engage in competitive matches and learn from international stars and coaches.
"The ETPL aims to bridge the gap by offering a platform for young players to play at a high level and develop their skills throughout the year, not just during the four-week tournament. This initiative will benefit not only the Netherlands but also Scotland and Ireland, creating a supportive environment for players to grow," he stated.
Klaasen's Success and the Importance of Downtime
Rhodes also commented on Klaasen's impressive performance in the ongoing IPL season, attributing it to a less intense schedule compared to international cricket. Klaasen has emerged as one of the top run-scorers in IPL 2026, with 414 runs in nine innings, averaging 59.14 and boasting a strike rate of 157.14.
"Klaasen's success may stem from the reduced pressure he faces outside of international cricket. Players often need time away to recharge emotionally and mentally, which can significantly impact their performance," Rhodes noted.
Looking Ahead to the Cricket World Cup
With the Cricket World Cup set to take place in South Africa next year, co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia, Rhodes expressed the team's ambition to break their long-standing jinx in limited-overs cricket. He emphasized the need for the Proteas to reach the final and secure a victory, stating, "Get to the final and win it. That is it. As simple as that."